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Post by 6stringroy on Jan 17, 2021 12:02:33 GMT -7
I've been enjoying my Z-Lux for a year and half but am looking for something with a good range of sounds and with an effects loop which led me to the Maz. With the Mark II and its half power switch and improved master volume, I would have thought that the Maz 38 would be more popular than the Maz 18 since you can get it quiet now but have the the extra headroom (and volume) when needed for just $150 more.
So I'm surprised that the Maz 38 forum has been idle for months while there is decent activity on Maz 18 forum. What am I missing here, that is, what is the compelling reason to pick an 18 over a 38 Mk II if I don't care about the extra $150? Thx.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 17, 2021 12:14:39 GMT -7
I have the Maz 38 MkII with half-power switch - much more versatile than just the Maz 18.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Jan 17, 2021 15:03:49 GMT -7
My first Z was a Maz 38 I bought used in 2004. I've had four Maz Jr's. The Jr is a LOUD amp. I've played outdoor gigs and large rooms where we weren't mic'd and the Jr has never had a problem being heard and I set it clean and use drive pedals. The Maz Jr. is lighter, less expensive and gets the job done. As much as I liked the Maz 38, the Jr just works better for me.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Jan 17, 2021 17:47:24 GMT -7
Generally, I don't often push the Maz 18 to it's limits. In fact, I would get away with even lower power since I'm usually putting a mic on it. The other reason is the first Z I ever played through was a Maz Sr. There was a guy interested in the Tone King I had and was trying to get me to trade for the Maz. I was not impressed with the 38 at all, but looking back, I think it was a few things. I'm pretty sure it had crap tubes in it. I didn't really know how to sit with a new amp and dial it in yet. It was a such a different animal than the Tone King. So while I would give a Maz 38 a shot now, it pushed me away from Z's for a while. But again, I just don't need an amp with 4 EL84's.
I also forget the exact number, someone else here will know for sure, but the Maz 18 is the amp that has sold the most in the Z line up.
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Post by 6stringroy on Jan 17, 2021 20:12:51 GMT -7
Thanks Mike, that's what I'm thinking. Senor Verde and Matthew, appreciate your perspective which makes sense when your reference point is the Mk I version of the Maz 38.
My Z-Lux (unofficial Mk II version) is rated at 40 watts and has the half power switch so I'm assuming it will be very similar to the Maz 38 Mk II with respect to volume and headroom - is that a good assumption?
Are there any tonal differences between the 18 and 38 in the Mk II versions?
Anyway still surprised that the Maz 38 forum is completely dead, and hope that isn't an indication of the community's interest.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 17, 2021 20:20:55 GMT -7
Anyway still surprised that the Maz 38 forum is completely dead, and hope that isn't an indication of the community's interest. I think with many venues limiting sound levels I think there is less interest in "higher" wattage amps.
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Post by zpilot on Jan 17, 2021 23:32:51 GMT -7
The very first Z I owned was a MAZ Sr in 2003. I loved it when I could turn it up where the power amp was really working, which was seldom so I moved to a Jr. If I could have had a 1/2 power switch on that Sr I bet I would still have it and it would be my main (maybe only) gigging amp.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Jan 18, 2021 15:02:07 GMT -7
I haven't played every amp ever made, but all the amps I've owned that had a half power switch sounded different enough full power vs half power that I didn't like one or the other settings.
For a while I had a Jr and Sr 1x12 combo, both with reverb and when I could turn the Sr up far enough, I did like it more than the Jr. Having said that, I stopped using the Sr and sold it because I really do like the Jr, it's lighter and still gets a great, loud clean sound if you want it.
I wouldn't mind trying a Mk II Sr at a gig, just for fun.
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Post by mule43 on Jan 19, 2021 13:48:43 GMT -7
I have both a Z-Lux and a MKII Maz38 NR and love them both. I find that for me the Maz seems to be a little more chimey. I run both amps at full power and use the master to set an appropriate volume level. When my wife is home I run the maste at about 9 and when she is gone I will run it up as far as 3. It just gets louder, I don't notice any real change in tone, it is a well implemented master volume. When I have tried the half power setting I did not notice a change in tone but have not used it much. But be aware that my ear is not the best.... I play both a Texas Special Strat and an American Standard 60s version LP through them, both sound great. I actually find that the Strat sounds better than I have ever heard it sound when I run it through the Zs compared to other amps. I have fallen in love with my Strat all over again. So for me I find the the Maz complements the Z-Lux really well, I can't really say which is my favorite. I tend to use one head for a week or two and then switch to the other. Oh and if it makes any difference I am mostly using a Z-Best cab with the stock speakers.
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Post by perryr on Jan 20, 2021 0:06:10 GMT -7
I have a MAZ18 MKII and a MAZ38 MKII, and though they have a similar front end, the output is different. The 38’s 4xEL84 has a bold and ballsy punch, while the 18’s hot rodded 2xEL84 is more aggressive in character. In half power the 38 is less power, but not the same character as the 18. The MAZ 18 definitely has its own thing IMO, same with the 38. Brothers for sure, but not twins in 18watt mode.
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Post by 6stringroy on Jan 20, 2021 14:52:54 GMT -7
I have both a Z-Lux and a MKII Maz38 NR and love them both. I find that for me the Maz seems to be a little more chimey. I run both amps at full power and use the master to set an appropriate volume level. When my wife is home I run the maste at about 9 and when she is gone I will run it up as far as 3. It just gets louder, I don't notice any real change in tone, it is a well implemented master volume. When I have tried the half power setting I did not notice a change in tone but have not used it much. But be aware that my ear is not the best.... I play both a Texas Special Strat and an American Standard 60s version LP through them, both sound great. I actually find that the Strat sounds better than I have ever heard it sound when I run it through the Zs compared to other amps. I have fallen in love with my Strat all over again. So for me I find the the Maz complements the Z-Lux really well, I can't really say which is my favorite. I tend to use one head for a week or two and then switch to the other. Oh and if it makes any difference I am mostly using a Z-Best cab with the stock speakers. Mule43, do you find your Z-Lux and Maz 38 Mk II put out about the same volume when run into the same speakers? Are you using the Z-Best for both Maz 38 and Z-Lux? If so, how does it sound with the Z-Lux and do you find the closed back makes it hard for other band members to hear on stage, like the drummer? Do you ever use your 1x12 and what driver do you have in that cab? Many thanks!
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Post by 6stringroy on Jan 20, 2021 14:58:42 GMT -7
I have a MAZ18 MKII and a MAZ38 MKII, and though they have a similar front end, the output is different. The 38’s 4xEL84 has a bold and ballsy punch, while the 18’s hot rodded 2xEL84 is more aggressive in character. In half power the 38 is less power, but not the same character as the 18. The MAZ 18 definitely has its own thing IMO, same with the 38. Brothers for sure, but not twins in 18watt mode. perryr, you have a great perspective; haven't seen many who have an 18 and 38, both Mk II's. Are they both with reverb and are they heads? What speakers/cabs are you running them through, and is it the same for both?
Lastly, please elaborate on what you mean by "bold and ballsy punch" (for the 38) vs. "more aggressive" (for the 18). I know it's sometimes difficult to describe what something sounds like, but since I haven't seen much in the away of a direct comparison of these two amps in Mk II versions, particularly the reverb ones, your comments are much appreciated.
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Post by perryr on Jan 20, 2021 22:46:30 GMT -7
I have a MAZ18 MKII and a MAZ38 MKII, and though they have a similar front end, the output is different. The 38’s 4xEL84 has a bold and ballsy punch, while the 18’s hot rodded 2xEL84 is more aggressive in character. In half power the 38 is less power, but not the same character as the 18. The MAZ 18 definitely has its own thing IMO, same with the 38. Brothers for sure, but not twins in 18watt mode. perryr, you have a great perspective; haven't seen many who have an 18 and 38, both Mk II's. Are they both with reverb and are they heads? What speakers/cabs are you running them through, and is it the same for both?
Lastly, please elaborate on what you mean by "bold and ballsy punch" (for the 38) vs. "more aggressive" (for the 18). I know it's sometimes difficult to describe what something sounds like, but since I haven't seen much in the away of a direct comparison of these two amps in Mk II versions, particularly the reverb ones, your comments are much appreciated.
Over the years Ive had a bunch of MAZ38 & 18. Bought my first 38 ‘Studio Lead’ head around 93-94, it was a serial # in the 20’s. A year or so later I bought a 38 Studio Deluxe with the steel grill and front loaded Celestion, it was a serial # in the 50’s. A year or so later bought MAZ18 0001, very first one... it had a direct out! Z said the Jr with a strat was a 10+ on the fun factor scale. I still have that first Jr, and since have owned 3 38NR’s (including my MKII), 2 other 38Reverbs and an 18NR and my Current 18 MKII reverb. Ive always thought of the 38’s and 18’s as different amps. I think the current 38 and 18 MKII’s are closer to one another in character then they use to be, but I still hear them differently. And I always compare in same cab/speaker, a G12H30 LT cab in this comparison. the 38 in full power has undeniable girth (or bold ballsy bunch) compared with 18. That is the 4x power tube thing, like a Twin vs a Super, a 50 vs 100watt Marshall etc.. its not just volume and power, its character. The 18 has a bit more hair, gets a bit more edgy (aggressive) and has a bit more extended bottom when compared with the 38 in 1/2 power. 38 is a bit more polite I suppose, but at 18watt mode I would grab the Jr, its a kick arse amp, holds its own on most stages and is still a 10+ on the fun factor. But if the situation calls for a bit more balls and headroom, the studly 38NR will get the job done handily and frankly makes any 18 watter want to be like him some day. Dr Z designed the 18 to deliver what sounds best from 2x EL84 and he designed the 38 to deliver what sounds best with 4x EL84 (with the option to quiet 2 tubes). My advise is to buy the 18 for its tone, and/or buy the 38 for its tone (and enjoy the benefit of the half power mode). I will say that the half power works great and sounds great, but if what you really want is the Jr tone, then buy the Jr. the 38 can get close in half power, but not quite. The Jr output is hitting those 6n14n pretty good, more so than the 38.. and the voicing is tuned as such. Both great, not an easy choice!
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Jan 21, 2021 5:33:18 GMT -7
With those credentials Perry, that’s as expert a report on subject as we will find. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by 6stringroy on Jan 21, 2021 11:15:28 GMT -7
Perry, super post, very insightful. I know what you mean about the half power switch. On my Z-Lux over time I found I like the full power girth and adjust volume with it's fantastic master volume. I also use pedals so it sounds like the Maz 38 is probably the ticket since I'll have the headroom that I'm used to. Still tough when you don't have both amps in front of you to plug into.
Couple of other questions. On the Mk II versions, is there any real sound or feel difference between the NR and Reverb models? I like reverb and so will lean that way unless there is a noticeable trade-off in sound. Any difference with the reverb in a head vs. a combo where there's more room?
Lastly, I'm curious as to what your speaker and cab choices are, or do you always go with the G12H30 1x12 cab (any issues in a 38 given the speaker's power rating)? Do have heads or combos?
Many thanks. Roy
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Post by perryr on Jan 21, 2021 23:36:31 GMT -7
Perry, super post, very insightful. I know what you mean about the half power switch. On my Z-Lux over time I found I like the full power girth and adjust volume with it's fantastic master volume. I also use pedals so it sounds like the Maz 38 is probably the ticket since I'll have the headroom that I'm used to. Still tough when you don't have both amps in front of you to plug into. Couple of other questions. On the Mk II versions, is there any real sound or feel difference between the NR and Reverb models? I like reverb and so will lean that way unless there is a noticeable trade-off in sound. Any difference with the reverb in a head vs. a combo where there's more room? Lastly, I'm curious as to what your speaker and cab choices are, or do you always go with the G12H30 1x12 cab (any issues in a 38 given the speaker's power rating)? Do have heads or combos? Many thanks. Roy Exactly regarding your Zlux 1/2 power observation, quads have that girth and its easy to get use to if ya got it. I think the difference between reverb and non-reverb is there, not huge, and maybe less now then before, but I think Z makes a little room for the reverb to come through nice. My MAZ18 MKII has a great sounding reverb, but the MKII’s are definitely tuned for an improved overdiven tone and its real easy to turn up that gain. And frankly as I turn up the gain I turn down or turn off the reverb. Especially if Im running through a darker speaker.. like the m65 creamback or the newer cream/ruby alnicos. With a G12H30 the reverb sparkle comes forward, and on cleaner settings its fabulous. Just kinda depends how you plan to use... but man the turned up gain tone is super fine against the new MKII master and its hard not to recommend the NR if thats where the most time will be spent. my MAZ’s are combos. I mess with speakers often, there are many great celestion choices, but without a doubt the G12H30 delivers everything the MAZ has to deliver. Sometimes thats too much lol, but I always go back to the G12H30 for a reset/starting point. Bottom, top, even mids, the MAZ amps fit well with the H30. Ive never had an issue with power handling, though ive not spent much time with the MAZ38 opened up into a 1x12.. quite loud. But for sure the MAZ sounds great with many other speakers, just depends on what your after.
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Post by mule43 on Jan 22, 2021 4:45:26 GMT -7
I have both a Z-Lux and a MKII Maz38 NR and love them both. I find that for me the Maz seems to be a little more chimey. I run both amps at full power and use the master to set an appropriate volume level. When my wife is home I run the maste at about 9 and when she is gone I will run it up as far as 3. It just gets louder, I don't notice any real change in tone, it is a well implemented master volume. When I have tried the half power setting I did not notice a change in tone but have not used it much. But be aware that my ear is not the best.... I play both a Texas Special Strat and an American Standard 60s version LP through them, both sound great. I actually find that the Strat sounds better than I have ever heard it sound when I run it through the Zs compared to other amps. I have fallen in love with my Strat all over again. So for me I find the the Maz complements the Z-Lux really well, I can't really say which is my favorite. I tend to use one head for a week or two and then switch to the other. Oh and if it makes any difference I am mostly using a Z-Best cab with the stock speakers. Mule43, do you find your Z-Lux and Maz 38 Mk II put out about the same volume when run into the same speakers? Are you using the Z-Best for both Maz 38 and Z-Lux? If so, how does it sound with the Z-Lux and do you find the closed back makes it hard for other band members to hear on stage, like the drummer? Do you ever use your 1x12 and what driver do you have in that cab? Many thanks!
For the past 3 weeks or so I have been using the Z-Best cab, before that I was using the 1x12 for several weeks. I was just thinking this afternoon that I have only had my Z gear for about 3 months though I have been playing 1 to 2 hours most days since I got my new gear. I find that they do seem to have comparable volumes with the same cab. I have had both heads on an AB switch to compare them that way and I found that I had the Volume and Master set about the same on both. I really like how the Z-Best sounds with both heads, it has a Vintage 30 and a G12H Anniversary in it. One thing I find with the Z-Best is that I like to be 8-10 ft from the cab. Good question about being able to hear on stage but I don't have experience with that yet I suspect that the port helps with that. At higher volumes the Z-Best has a nice punch to it. My 1x12 has a Vintage 30 in it and I find that the cab is brighter than the Z-Best. Not really surprising considering the speaker in the cab.
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Post by lowbudget on Jan 22, 2021 7:33:50 GMT -7
perryr, you have a great perspective; haven't seen many who have an 18 and 38, both Mk II's. Are they both with reverb and are they heads? What speakers/cabs are you running them through, and is it the same for both?
Lastly, please elaborate on what you mean by "bold and ballsy punch" (for the 38) vs. "more aggressive" (for the 18). I know it's sometimes difficult to describe what something sounds like, but since I haven't seen much in the away of a direct comparison of these two amps in Mk II versions, particularly the reverb ones, your comments are much appreciated.
Over the years Ive had a bunch of MAZ38 & 18. Bought my first 38 ‘Studio Lead’ head around 93-94, it was a serial # in the 20’s. A year or so later I bought a 38 Studio Deluxe with the steel grill and front loaded Celestion, it was a serial # in the 50’s. A year or so later bought MAZ18 0001, very first one... it had a direct out! Z said the Jr with a strat was a 10+ on the fun factor scale. I still have that first Jr, and since have owned 3 38NR’s (including my MKII), 2 other 38Reverbs and an 18NR and my Current 18 MKII reverb. Ive always thought of the 38’s and 18’s as different amps. I think the current 38 and 18 MKII’s are closer to one another in character then they use to be, but I still hear them differently. And I always compare in same cab/speaker, a G12H30 LT cab in this comparison. the 38 in full power has undeniable girth (or bold ballsy bunch) compared with 18. That is the 4x power tube thing, like a Twin vs a Super, a 50 vs 100watt Marshall etc.. its not just volume and power, its character. The 18 has a bit more hair, gets a bit more edgy (aggressive) and has a bit more extended bottom when compared with the 38 in 1/2 power. 38 is a bit more polite I suppose, but at 18watt mode I would grab the Jr, its a kick arse amp, holds its own on most stages and is still a 10+ on the fun factor. But if the situation calls for a bit more balls and headroom, the studly 38NR will get the job done handily and frankly makes any 18 watter want to be like him some day. Dr Z designed the 18 to deliver what sounds best from 2x EL84 and he designed the 38 to deliver what sounds best with 4x EL84 (with the option to quiet 2 tubes). My advise is to buy the 18 for its tone, and/or buy the 38 for its tone (and enjoy the benefit of the half power mode). I will say that the half power works great and sounds great, but if what you really want is the Jr tone, then buy the Jr. the 38 can get close in half power, but not quite. The Jr output is hitting those 6n14n pretty good, more so than the 38.. and the voicing is tuned as such. Both great, not an easy choice! I’m probably twisting the words of someone far more knowledgeable than I am in order to justify my own weirdness, but this may explain why I always preferred a Twin Reverb on 2 to a Deluxe Reverb dimed. No substitute for big iron, lotsa glass and more speakers.
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Post by 6stringroy on Jan 22, 2021 9:16:03 GMT -7
lowbudget, that's exactly what I'm thinking. Even comparing my Z-Lux (at full 40 watt power) to a band mate's Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue, I love the headroom. But then again the Z's master volume works so well and I do have some sweet pedals that work fine.
Perry, thanks again for you thoughts here; extremely helpful.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Feb 21, 2021 12:40:01 GMT -7
I have a new appreciation for the question in the post now that I've picked up a Maz 38. Both my 18 & 38 have the mkii done and are extraordinary amps. I had been looking for ways to get the 18 into a studio cab and landed a deal on a 38 Studio Deluxe. I doubt in the long run I'm going to keep both because I will only be 2 amp person max and they are just too close in tone. I really like the extra headroom I'm getting in the 38 and think it's a keeper. I have mostly been going straight in this week, but spent some time with the pedal board yesterday. I think I may need to work on my drive section. I either need to significantly adjust how I have some pedals set or I need a drive with more octane.
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Post by submersible on May 6, 2021 10:28:39 GMT -7
I was playing in a loud band many years ago and I had nowhere left to go for headroom so I grabbed a Maz 38. I was expecting a higher headroom version of the Maz junior, but it just didn't sound the same to me even through the same speakers. The Maz 38 had kind of a harsh, barky quality to me so I sold it.
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Post by purpletele on May 6, 2021 16:26:56 GMT -7
I've been playing my 38 a lot. I have a Cream Alnico in the combo and it's sitting on top of a Ruby. My Z-Plus is getting jealous. My 38 is a Mark II and has the half power switch, but I don't use it. I like to crank it up and use the guitar volume. In summary, I have been giving some love to my 38 and I get love back in tone and sustain. Great amp, I'm digging mine!! PS: perryr I see new quad set in my future. Brian V
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